Hey all, I have found a 1990 GS500 E in amazing shape and what I think is a great price  but I don't know if it is, is 2050$ Cnd a good deal, the bike has 32K km on it but it looks like and rides like it's new. Also is there anything specific to this bike I should check on the bike before I buy (I've checked all the usual stuff, brakes, gears, tires...etc.) . Thanks guys and hopefully I'll be up and riding by the end of this week.

well it's not the best deal but it's ok

where in canada do you live?

check for rust in the tank....if you say it's in great shape then there isn't many things you need to check......i would also look at the frame to be sure it wasn't crashed and check if the engine is burning oil.....with that many miles i think the engine may need to be rebuilt (depending on the way it was riden)

A couple things I watch for are rust on the fork tubes,  and severe rust on the exhaust; rusted cracks on the handlebars.  Those can't be repaired, only replaced.  

Also, tires, chain and sprockets are wear items, but can still add quite a bit to getting the bike ready to ride.  Add US $100 to the cost for any tire which needs replacing, and $200 if the chain tension adjusters (by the rear wheel axle) are already all the way to the back.

for a (long) list of non-GS-specific used bike buying tips, check here

Also, check the tires for wear.  A good bargain on a bike can quickly turn sour if you have to buy and install new tires.

I bought a 94 with 30k miles. Mine was driven by an old man... so i'm sure he took it easy on it. However, the bike doesn't really burn oil and it was in good>excellent shape. Might want to get the 4-1-1 on who owned the bike before and how they rode it... ex: highway miles vs. town miles, raced occasionally vs. never saw over 7k. Anyways, i've put a few miles on the bike and i haven't been let down at all. Just keep in mind that this engine is aircooled and that effects longevity, more so than water cooled engines.... that said, just make sure it's not a pile and then keep your costs in mind.

jon

I have nearly the same mileage on my '90.  Mine burns no oil and runs beautifully.  I bought my bike for $550.  It was sitting for 3 years and not running.  I paid $80 for a battery, $30 for a choke cable, and ~250 for tires mount/balance/install.  In the end I paid about 900 USD for a nice running bike with a salvage title.  I bought it with about 14K miles and now have almost 20K.  It has been very dependable and I really don't ever worry about getting stranded (so long as my gas doesn't run out )

2000 Canadian (about 1500 USD) seems like bit high.  I would see if he'll come down to 1500 Canadian (about 1146 USD).  If he doesn't, I would say see if its worth it to YOU paying the asking price.  I like to say, if you're happy with your purchase, you got a good deal.  It sounds like it is in great shape.

This is my '89.
notice the miles(5244)
and the price ($400.00)
needed new head gasket and starter relay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2483419008&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOAB:US:6

other assorted bits were added by choice:
14t countersprocket
New dunlops
re-jetting
new grips
katana shock

Well I've decided to buy it, I'm going to go to pick it up but before I give him money I'm having my bike mechanic friend look it over. I live in Kingston and go the school there, my cousins live in windsor and I sometime go through there on my way to Ohio.

don't just check tires for wear.   check the date stamp on them.
my honda came with what looked like new tires.  turns out they were 10 years old and started cracking after 100 miles.

cheers,
will

It's pretty late in the riding season to be asking that much for a 90 with nearly 20K miles.  I think I'd pass, but I already have a bike.

Canada is sorta the home of overpriced bikes... Make sure it has no rust... that's the real killer...
Cool.
Srinath.